The Infrastructure Hot Seat Podcast

In episode 16, we had the opportunity to talk to Steven Hernandez, who is the utility superintendent at Jurupa Community Services District. He has a wealth of experience in public works and has faced various challenges throughout his career. Steve has developed an online water operator education and training system called waterwisepro.com. As a Utility Superintendent, what tasks are Steven respons...

In episode 14 Chris MacDonald shares how he got into the pressure pipe industry and how he was able to identify the need for a new type of product in the market. He also talks about the challenges he faced in bringing his product to market and how he overcame them. Chris also shares his insights on the importance of customer service and how it has helped him build a successful business. He also ta...

In episode 13 we talk to Allison Swisher, the Director of Public Utilities at the City of Joliet, IL. Allison is the 2023 APWA Chicago chapter president and she is very active with other local organizations. Allison is a great leader and brings innovation to her city which has been dealing with a lot of infrastructure problems. 

In Episode 11 utility superintendent Brian Jack talks about his career moving up through the ranks of public works. We discuss water shortages, procurement struggles, and his passion for no water no hockey. Brian is an active member of the IL section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA). He is also the utility superintendent for the village of Lombard, IL. He has 20 + years of managing s...

In episode 10 we speak to Josh Gajewski who is the utility director at Lake Geneva, WI. Josh has almost 20 years of experience in public works and has moved up through the ranks. What does it take to move up into a leadership role in public works?  Get a degree in a relevant field: Many public works leaders have a degree in civil engineering, urban planning, or a related field. These programs...

In episode 9 we interview Sean O'Dell who is the vice president at Baxter & Woodman. Sean has over 20 years of experience as an engineer, particularly in water and sewer. Sean and I discuss all aspects of what it takes to maintain and manage infrastructure. Sean leads a group of four departments and over 30 professionals. Sean is responsible for superior client service, production management,...

In Episode 8 our guests Ted Bennett and Chad Smeltzer discuss the need for engineering firms to diversify their businesses.  Technology is making infrastructure more efficient and engineering firms will have fewer billable hours. How will they overcome the changes technology is bringing?  Our guest Ted Bennett is focused on engineering excellence and professionalism in the projects and s...

In episode 7 Eric Dupre and I discuss the cost to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant versus the collection system. The wastewater industry is entering an era where utility owners and operators are facing a double whammy, funding shortfalls, and increasing debt service costs. To remain solvent in a tightening fiscal environment, wastewater infrastructure providers will have to examine their col...

David began his career in the United States Marine Corps and graduated as an engineer from The University of Texas at Arlington. David has vast knowledge and experience in sewer condition assessment. He and his Garver team are making a difference by bringing more technologies to their customers. Enjoy!

In Episode 5 we talk to Will Lake who is the VP of Sales for the Aegion Corporation. Will has over 9 years of experience as an engineer and construction manager. He is a demonstrated leader in construction management, positioning projects and businesses to increase profitability by setting clear expectations and executing objectives. Leverages experience from companies at the top of their respecti...

In Episode 4 we talk to Nick Spano the President of Essential Equipment Company which was founded in 2020. The company employs 8 people and is located in Houston, Tx, and Oklahoma City, OK   The primary products, materials, and services your company provides CCTV inspection equipment,  Combo trucks and jetters,  SL RAT,  Vivax Metrotech push cams and locators,  Vanguard pa...

Episode 3 is our interview with Alex Churchill, the CEO & Co-founder of InfoSense, Inc., located in Charlotte, NC.  The company started in 2011 and employs approximately 20 people.  Company Info: InfoSense, Inc. manufactures and supports the patented award-winning Sewer Line Rapid Assessment Tool, or SL-RAT, and its associated data management platform, the Sewer Line Data Organizer,...

Episode 2 is our Interview with John Squillace founder/CEO/president of the Helix Wireless Company The company started in 2019 and has grown to a million-dollar brand.  Size of the company - 11 employees Location of the Company - Monmouth Junction, NJ Services: Helix offers a full suite of global cellular connectivity for IoT and Business use cases. Mission Statement: We are disrupting the status...

Episode 1 Chief Executive Officer Michael Simpson M.E. Simpson Co., Inc. The company was formed in 1979, Mike joined the firm in 1983. Mike has 39 years of continued employment/service. Company: Currently, the company employs over 80 people and growing Corporate Headquarters: Valparaiso, IN. Service facilities: Griffith, IN; Indianapolis, IN; Waukegan, IL; Laurel, MD & Wilmington, DE. We a...